This is the first time that the Bundesliga will shut down for the winter break in just the second week of November. The hiatus comes at an inopportune time for VfL, who are currently on their best run of form for a long time. At his press conference ahead of the clash with TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday 12 November (kick-off 15:30 CET), Niko Kovac spoke about…
…Germany’s World Cup squad: “I spoke with Max [Arnold] and Ridle [Baku], of course. They were crestfallen, which is normal. But we now have to make the best of the situation. We have another job to do tomorrow and they have both done particularly well in recent weeks.”
…self-generated momentum: “We’re on a good run at the moment but we’re not getting anything for free. Above all, we know that tomorrow we’ll be up against a team who are very strong in terms of their play and work ethic. We can expect another 90-minute battle.”
…personnel: “As well as Lukas Nmecha, we’re also going to be without Josip Brekalo and Patrick Wimmer, who unfortunately are both ill. Josuha Guilavogui is fit, though, and Maximilian Philipp will also be in the squad.”
…VfL’s final opponents of the year: “Hoffenheim are going through a difficult period at the moment, but that doesn’t make things any easier for us. We have to be very careful and take the game very seriously in order to get a positive result. Even though TSG don’t yet have the points they deserve, they’re playing very good football.”
…the upcoming break: “I believe a lot of teams would like to keep playing. Those who are doing well at the moment, like us, would like to keep riding the wave. The break might suit others better. For us, it’s about going into the break on the back of a strong finish.”
